Devastation Strikes as Veterans Show Resilience in Asheville
Asheville, N.C. – This charming mountain town has found itself grappling with a heartbreaking situation following the recent storm, Helene, which caused extensive damage, particularly for the homeless veterans living at the Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ). More than 100 veterans faced the storm’s wrath, leading to dire circumstances that many have described as a “war zone.”
The Impact of Helene
When Helene made landfall in western North Carolina, it wreaked havoc on the area where 136 homeless veterans were residing at the VRQ. Tim McElyea, an Army combat veteran himself and chief administrator for the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, could only watch as the destruction unfolded. He noted, “It looks like things that I saw when I was in war. Just the level of destruction, it’s really tough.”
Destruction was not limited to just the shelter. A bridge just outside the facility was taken out, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. McElyea commented, “Yeah, the bridge got taken out during the storm. Crews are working to get it put back together right now.”
Evacuating to Safety
Recognizing the urgency, McElyea swiftly organized the evacuation of the veterans to safer locations like A-B Tech, the WNC Agricultural Center, and a church in Mars Hill. Keeping the veterans safe was the top priority, but McElyea knew that it was essential to keep the sense of community among them intact. “When it came time to get the veterans over here at the Quality Inn, all of them were like, ‘yes, we want to go, yes, we want to be together,’” he said, a testament to the bonds they share.
A Temporary Home
The VRQ’s connection with the Quality Inn has created a temporary refuge for the veterans displaced by the storm. Although the hotel is across the now-destroyed bridge, it provided a chance for the community of veterans to remain close. Unfortunately, the VRQ facility itself is now inaccessible and unlivable due to the storm’s devastation.
Despite the difficulties, McElyea has seen the value in the camaraderie and support among the veterans. However, he also knows that the scenes of destruction can trigger difficult memories for those with combat experience. “It brings back a lot of memories when you walk through this and stuff, and some of those are certainly triggering memories,” he shared.
Support and Stability
To help veterans navigate these challenging times, McElyea’s team is meeting with them two to three times a day to assess their mental health and provide the support they need. “We’re acutely aware of that, and the guys that we work with here we’re meeting with them to make sure mental health-wise everybody’s doing OK,” he mentioned, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being.
As the team assesses damages at the former VRQ facility, there is a hopeful vision for the future. McElyea has set a goal of returning to the VRQ by Veteran’s Day next year. In the meantime, the program continues to operate from the Quality Inn, offering critical support like stability, education, training, and employment opportunities for the veterans. The resilience of the community and the dedication of those working to help these men is a bright spot amid the chaos.
A Resilient Community
Football games will continue to bring cheering crowds, colors will still light up the streets during fall festivities, and the spirit of Asheville will carry on, even as it rallies around its heroes. The determination to rebuild and support those who have served our country remains strong, showing that even in challenging times, hope and tenacity shine through. The story of these veterans is far from over, and with the ongoing support from McElyea and his team, a brighter future is on the horizon.
